Hello -- I'm planning to make a home base in Monopoli and in Lecce with day trips along the coastline primarily. Traveling solo so I plan to use public transportation. I can't seem to find hotels in the center of most cities like Bari, Brindisi, Lecce, etc. Since I'm traveling alone, I am a bit concerned about security and 24 hr. Front Desk availability in small B&B's -- also, limitations on meeting other people and having a breakfast room. It's what I'm used to in most other cities I guess. Years ago I stayed in Pensiones, but I was traveling with others then so it wasn't an issue. Any thoughts? Maybe my concerns are unfounded? Suggestions for lodging, restaurants and less well-known culture are greatly appreciated. Mille gracias!
Posted by
Portland
3648 posts
We visited Puglia a few years ago. In planning, I tried to see if we could rely on public transportation. Because of awkward schedules and lack of direct connections for our chosen destinations, we gave up and rented a car. Our hotel in Bari was fine. I’ll try to recover its name and get back to you.
Posted by
755 posts
I’ve visited Puglia twice and had some difficulty finding lodging in Bari, but did find a pensione type of place and it was right downtown not far from both the waterfront and the train station. I’m sorry I don’t have the name.
Both trips to Puglia we relied entirely on public transportation (although we also got rides from locals) and it wasn’t difficult although probably more time consuming than having a car. But also less stressful.
Posted by
OP
Florida
43 posts
Thanks for the quick replies and useful feedback. Hoping you can remember the names of the places you mentioned. Did you like the Puglia area? Any highlights that stand out? Thanks again!
Posted by
699 posts
Yo JHO,
Below is our TR titled 'Bella Puglia' from 5 years ago. It was posted here on RS plus elsewhere (no fotos yet). Hopefully, you might be able to find some useful lodging suggestions---the Monopoli one seems perfectly fitted to your needs. Enjoy!
I am done. The end.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/trip-report-bella-puglia-plus-basilicata-and-rome
Posted by
OP
Florida
43 posts
Mille Gracias!! I'll check it out. It's a full-time job planning these trips -- fun, though.
Posted by
Saint Paul, Minnesota
1639 posts
Here's a past thread that includes my long list of places to go in Puglia:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/puglia-itinerary-ideas
Posted by
4 posts
When my bf and I traveled around Italy we rented a lovely villa in Puglia through Isula Travel (https://www.isulatravel.com/villas-italy/villas-puglia ), it might be a bit of a stretch if you are under a strict budget but the villas for 2 would be nice for solo stay and you would be able to have people over and a meeting room too :)